About us

The Trade Union of Education in Finland, OAJ, is an independent and not for profit trade union, not linked to any political party, with over 120,000 members. The unionization rate is one of the highest figures in the world.

The membership of the union is, of course, voluntary. However, the high unionization rate is evidence of the strong commitment of Finnish teachers to develop their work, the whole education sector and teachers´ rights and their status.

The unionization rate also shows how successful OAJ´s work has been.

One single union also allows us to use our voice for all teachers in salary negotiations, education policy and media interaction. In Finnish society, we in OAJ defend teachers’ rights and demand a good working environment for teachers and students.

One single union gives us a clear and strong mandate to defend teachers´ status and safeguard the interest of teachers at local, regional and national level.

OAJ also works very closely with universities and teacher education establishments. High quality teacher education is the primary reason for the superior results Finland has achieved in education.

During recent years Finland and the Finnish education system have been in the world´s spotlight. There is massive evidence that a strong union is one major factor contributing to the quality of education in Finland.

OAJ is a non-government and non-political organisation, but we work closely together with the members of parliament, government, ministries and the Finnish National Agency for Education as well as media and parent’s associations. We believe that when decision makers and the union work together, in transparent cooperation, it is best for our society, our children and everyone in the education sector and system.